Khulna: Farmers across the Khulna region are experiencing busy days as they engage in the harvesting and threshing of transplanted Aman paddy, anticipating higher yields this season. With the majority of the areas showing promising production, farmers are eager to quickly gather their crops to mitigate potential losses from natural calamities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in the Khulna region set a target for transplanted Aman cultivation at 298,635 hectares for the 2025-26 fiscal year across four districts. Cultivation reached 290,342 hectares, achieving 97.2 percent of the target. As of Wednesday, harvesting has been completed on 50,603 hectares, accounting for 17.4 percent of the total cultivated land. Field assessments predict the region will produce approximately 859,902 metric tons of rice this season.
Farmers from Dumuria, Dighalia, and other upazilas are working tirelessly to harvest and thresh Aman paddy, mindful of the threat posed by sudden rain, which could damage their mature crops. Tayebur Kazi, a farmer from Kalia upazila in Narail district, expressed satisfaction with this year's production and noted that harvesting is nearly complete, with threshing underway. However, concerns about unexpected rainfall persist, prompting efforts to store the crops at home swiftly.
Rabiul, a farmer from Gazirhat in Dighalia upazila, noted that harvesting is almost finished, and threshing is in progress. With the Aman season drawing to a close, preparations are underway for cultivating pulses and winter vegetables. Md Amirul Islam, a Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer at Kalia upazila, highlighted that farmers are in their busiest period, emphasizing the importance of storing harvested crops promptly to reduce risks from natural disasters and prepare for the next seasonal farming activities.
Dighalia Upazila Agriculture Officer Kishore Ahmed reported that the upazila has achieved 100 percent of its target for Aman cultivation, with farmers fully engaged in harvesting activities. He also mentioned that the BRRI-103 rice variety has become popular and demonstrated promising yield potential this season. DAE Additional Director (Khulna region) Rafiqul Islam expressed satisfaction with the cultivation and production progress, hoping that the contribution of Aman rice from the Khulna region will significantly bolster the country's food security and economy.